ap gov unit 4 terms

ap gov unit 4 terms and definitions

Individualism

The belief in the importance of personal independence, self-reliance, and the rights of the individual over the collective group.

Equality of Opportunity

The principle that every individual should have the same chances to succeed in life, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Free Enterprise

An economic system in which private businesses operate in competition and are largely free of state control, with minimal government intervention.

Rule of Law

The concept that all individuals, institutions, and entities are accountable to laws that are fairly applied and enforced, and that no one is above the law.

Political Socialization

The process by which individuals acquire their political beliefs, values, attitudes, and behaviors, often influenced by family, schools, media, and other societal institutions.

Generational Effects

The impact of significant historical or societal events on the political views and behaviors of individuals in a particular age cohort, which distinguishes them from other generations.

Life Cycle Effects

The changes in political attitudes and behaviors that tend to occur as individuals age, often leading to more conservative views over time as responsibilities and priorities shift.

Opinion Polls

Surveys designed to gauge public opinion on specific issues or political candidates at a given point in time.

Scientific Polls

Polls that use scientific methods, such as random sampling and weighting, to ensure results are representative of the overall population.

Benchmark Polls

Initial polls conducted early in a campaign to gauge a candidate's name recognition and support, helping shape campaign strategy.

Tracking Polls

Ongoing polls conducted over a period of time to track changes in public opinion or candidate support as events unfold.

Exit Polls

Surveys conducted immediately after voters leave polling places, aimed at predicting election outcomes and understanding voter behavior.

Polling Methodology

The techniques and processes used in designing and conducting polls, including sampling, question wording, and analysis.

Focus Group

A small, diverse group of people assembled to discuss and provide feedback on a specific issue, product, or political strategy, often used for qualitative research.

Random Selection

A process used in polling or research to choose individuals for a sample where each person has an equal chance of being selected, ensuring fairness and reducing bias.

Representative Sample

A sample in polling or research that accurately reflects the demographics and views of the overall population, allowing for more accurate generalizations.

Weighting

Adjusting the results of a poll to account for the overrepresentation or underrepresentation of certain demographic groups in the sample, ensuring more accurate reflections of the population.

Sampling Error

The margin of error in poll results that arises from surveying only a sample of the population, rather than the entire population.

Conservatism

A political ideology that values tradition, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and a cautious approach to change, particularly in social and cultural matters.

Liberalism

A political ideology that emphasizes individual rights, equality, social justice, and often advocates for a more active government role in addressing social and economic issues.

Libertarianism

A political philosophy that advocates for minimal government intervention in both personal and economic matters, emphasizing individual liberty and free markets.

Fiscal Policy

The use of government spending and taxation policies to influence economic conditions, including levels of demand, employment, and inflation.

Monetary Policy

The process by which a central bank, such as the Federal Reserve, controls the supply of money and interest rates to influence economic activity.

Laissez-Faire

An economic philosophy advocating for minimal government interference in the market and allowing individuals and businesses to operate freely.

Command and Control

An economic system where the government has substantial control over production, distribution, and pricing decisions, often associated with socialist or communist economies.

Mixed Economy

An economic system that blends elements of both free markets and government intervention, allowing for private enterprise alongside government regulation and public services.

Keynesianism

An economic theory that advocates for active government intervention in the economy, particularly through fiscal policy, to manage demand and prevent economic downturns.

Supply-Side Economics

An economic theory that emphasizes the importance of reducing taxes and regulations to encourage production, investment, and economic growth, often associated with conservative economic policies.